Samsung S9 Plus

What Mobile

August 10, 2018

A great option if you’re due an upgrade, but would it be best to wait a while?

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This is Samsung’s best phone to date. Surprised? Not really. The Korean manufacturer was always going to show up with something great. It’s a shame that the S9 and S9+ have been grossly overlooked, as most fans wait with baited breath for its tenth anniversary S10, expected to launch at Mobile World Congress next year. Looking at the S9 line you understand why – it is essentially the S8 but better. Samsung scored a massive own goal by placing the fingerprint sensor so far up the back the S8 even your average basketball star would struggle to reach it. Another shortcoming was the lacklustre loudspeakers on the front, which now sound excellent when watching Netflix or YouTube. It can’t be hidden that the S9+ is an iterative upgrade from its predecessor, the S8+. There’s not a lot to tempt consumers to swap out their S8 for an S9, even if they have the money to commit such a greedy act. Mind you, saying that, the S9+ does significantly feature dual 12MP cameras, giving it two times optical zoom over the standard S9. That is what manufacturers should be doing – using the extra space to put in some extra features that are worth paying the extra £100 for.

Resolution: 1440 x 2960 pixels (Quad HD)

Memory: 6GB RAM

Internal storage: 128GB

External memory: MicroSD up to 512GB

Rear camera: 12MP

Front camera: 8MP

Video: 4K recording

Battery: 3,500mAh

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C

Cellular Speed: Cat 18 – 1.2Gbps download speed

Dimensions: 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm

Weight: 189g

Manufacture View

Samsung Electronics introduces the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, the smartphones that re-imagine the way we communicate, share and experience the world. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ drive innovation with Samsung’s advanced camera. Redesigned with a new dual aperture lens that powers an innovative low-light camera, super slow-mo video capabilities and personalised AR Emoji, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ ensure users do not miss a moment. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ deliver an enhanced entertainment experience with powerful stereo speakers tuned by AKG, surround effect supported by Dolby Atmos and a refined edge-to-edge infinity display. “The way we use our smartphones has changed as communication and self-expression has evolved,” said DJ Koh, president and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S9 and S9+, we have re-imagined the smartphone camera. It’s a smartphone that’s designed to help people connect to others and express themselves in a way that’s unique and personal to them.”

Our Review

For those due for an upgrade, you’ll be very happy with the S9+. The main snapper is the first in the world with a f/1.5 aperture lens, the widest seen on a smartphone. It enables more light into the sensor for night time shots. For your everyday activity, you can bet the S9+ will perform at the highest of standards. Also, don’t forget that dual camera system¦ At 128GB standard of internal memory, you won’t have to worry about running out of space. Add this to the excellent processor and generous 6GB RAM and you’ve got a reliable daily driver that will be by your side when you need it. So should you pick up the S9+? If you’re due for an upgrade, definitely, if you’re a fan of Samsung’s Android overlay. There are plenty of other devices out there that can match the S9+ feature for feature, spec for spec, such as the Huawei P20 Pro, OnePlus 6 and Google Pixel 2. That shouldn’t detract from how this is one of the finest smartphones you can get your hands on this generation. But if you can wait a bit longer I’m pretty sure Samsung will be pulling something special out of the bag. They’re going to have to go some to rival Apple’s, iPhone X.